Don't stand too close to an open flame while eating your cheese & crackers....

Try saying this 5 times fast…..Tertiary Butylhydroquinone, or TBHQ, which is what it’s most commonly referred to, is an organic chemical preservative which is a form of butane (hence buty….) that can be found in pet food, perfumes, varnishes and resins. It is used in food items to slow down rancidness & to extend the storage/shelf life of foods. Most specifically, companies (& most fast food restaurants) add it to the oils used in cooking or making the products. TBHQ is also used in some lipsticks, colognes, moisturizers & other makeup products.

The FDA limits the use to 0.02% of the oil or fat in any single food item. This may not seem like a lot, but it does make you wonder why the FDA has to set limits on an apparently “harmless organic preservative”. Studies on its long-term effects have been contradictory, but it has been linked to potential cancer & DNA damage in laboratory animals. In high doses (between 1 to 4 grams) it’s a carcinogenic that can cause nausea, delirium, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) & vomiting. There’s also speculation that it may lead to hyperactivity in children & may also further aggravate ADHD symptoms & cause restlessness. It’s suggested that it may be responsible for affecting estrogen levels in women.

So after digesting that little bit of scientific information, let’s stop & ask ourselves this question: “Is this something I want to be feeding my family?” I’m sure the resounding answer is NO.  Since this preservative is found in many grocery products to help sustain a longer shelf life let’s look at a few items found in your local grocery store with TBHQ & see what alternate products you could consider.

First, let me get on my soap box for a moment; I think that all companies should be required to put certain ingredients on the front of packages. I know, I know, if they did this, then people wouldn’t buy it, but if people stopped buying it, then maybe they would change the ingredients. I would never buy Jennie-O® turkey sausage because it contains TBHQ, but I applaud them for listing this on the front of the package (listed under Turkey Sausage in gold print it says "BHT, TBHQ and Citric Acid added to preserve flavor"). I wish all companies would do this.

source: http://www.jennieo.com/

So, let’s start with turkey sausage. Instead of Jennie-O®, try Jones All Natural®. My family eats Jones® & it’s mighty tasty. Another alternative, but not as healthy as the Jones® is Banquet Brown-n-Serve® turkey sausage.

source: http://www.jonesdairyfarm.com/

Another thing in your grocer’s freezer with TBHQ is Toaster Strudel®. To me this product is just all around unhealthy. 

Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain® & Special K® bars seem healthy with all the fruit & whole grain, but listed in the ingredients is TBHQ. Try the Kashi® TLC Snack bars. At my local Target, Kashi® bars are only $0.20 more per box. Another alternative is Nature Valley®.

Almost every Keebler® product has TBHQ since they add it to their soybean oil. Try the Pepperidge Farm® Baked Naturals. At Target, the Archer Farms Simply Balanced® crackers are cost friendly & fairly tasty too. Kashi® also makes a line of crackers, but you may need to shop around. The price on Kashi products here in New York varies drastically from one store to another.



And lastly, Kellogg’s Pop Tarts®, I know kids love them, they’re an easy snack, etc, etc, but again TBHQ.  Nature's Path® makes a line of organic, all natural toaster pastries. In our house we use them as a treat & not an everyday snack or breakfast item.

source: http://www.naturespath.com/

My lists could go on & on, but I'll stop here. I hope that this little nugget of information on TBHQ has been educational & informative. Ultimately you will make the final decision as to what your family will eat, but remember as with all dubious additives, it’s best to limit your exposure whenever possible.

Until the next post………..